Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas is one of the most beautiful, spectacular and memorable sights of the city of Liepaja. Construction of the temple began in June 1900. This deals with the Defense Ministry of Russia. And 3 years later Emperor Nicholas II and his family took part in the consecration of the cathedral. The idea of ​​its creation belongs to the famous St. Petersburg architect V.I.Kosyakovu. The outline of the church like a ship, and at the base of the cross shows the anchor, which is a symbol of hope in a troubled sea of ​​life.

St. Nicholas Cathedral stands on a high basis of concrete, finished with sandstone and granite. The walls are made of brick and lined with red on top figure yellow brick weave intricate patterns. The temple has five domes: the central and 4 small, symbolizing Jesus Christ, and 4 apostles. Above the main entrance to the temple is located high bell tower, which is reminiscent of John the Baptist, proclaiming the kingdom of God.

The main altar, like the rest of the cathedral was consecrated in the name of St. Nicholas. For Nicholas sailors from time immemorial considered the patron saint and prayer. South chapel (altar) was consecrated in honor of the Theophany (Epiphany). North - in honor of St. Alexis the Wonderworker, who lived in the XIV century. Four gable of the cathedral are decorated with inscriptions from the Holy Scriptures in the church-Slavic language and icons of a mosaic made of gold. And they are made by craftsmen from St. Petersburg.

Inside the cathedral are located in 4 arcuate intersecting arches that hold the vault with a central dome and drum. This architectural idea increases the inner space and provides an opportunity to observe worship in any place of the temple. The interior of the church - great. This golden reliquaries (special decorated locker (often flap) or glassed shelf for icons) and 3 bunk iconostasis. On solea (the elevation of the floor before the altar screen and an iconostasis), which is surrounded by wrought-iron railings, marble stairs lead 3 (each of 3 chapels). Above the marble altar of the central altar was placed a gilt canopy, meaning the Shroud of God over the earth. 4 bronze chandeliers hung from the crosshairs arches and resembled the heavenly bodies.

Archpriest Vladimir worked in the Archangel Cathedral of St. Nicholas a very long period of time and was its first rector. They come to the temple and prayed to the sailors of the squadron. Later they went on a long Pacific campaign.

In World War I the interior of the cathedral was badly damaged, but all the same services were rare. Before the destruction of the temple of the icons and other religious items were saved and take other Orthodox churches. During the Great Patriotic War was held in the Cathedral of point air defense of the Germans. Bronze Bells were taken. When Soviet troops back in the temple was constructed sailor's club. All that was once looked like a real purpose of the temple, were converted or destroyed.

At the end of the 80s the movement for the return of St. Nicholas Cathedral of the Orthodox Church. June 2, 1990 (the feast day of St. Alexis) Bishop Alexander of Riga and Latvia, with the participation of a large number of worshipers celebrated a prayer service at the closed door of the temple. In September 1991, after a long resistance, the military left the temple.

The first service was held on 19 December 1991 (New Style), the feast day of St. Nicholas. The service was attended by the city authorities, Liepaja clergy, the military. The procession was organized and a thanksgiving service. In order to quickly revive the temple made cosmetic repairs to the south (Epiphany) chapel, prepared all that was necessary for the service. And January 6, 1992 with the blessing of the Bishop of Riga and Latvia Alexander performed the minor consecration of the temple, and January 7 - The first Divine Liturgy. On this very day in the temple services were held regularly.

Thanks to the donations of parishioners continue to work on the restoration of the temple. Now, the dome of the Cathedral of the Sea re-decorated crosses.

July 20, 1997 Archbishop of Riga and all Latvia Alexander, concelebrated by the clergy of Liepaja and Riga, has been made a great consecration of the main altar and the entire temple. Now at the church Sunday schools not only for children but also for adults.

Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas is a true pearl of Liepaja. It is worth a look and enjoy its beauty and grandeur. As they say, better to see once ...